Nerve blocks are a targeted treatment that stops pain signals from traveling along a specific nerve. A nerve block injects medication near the affected nerve to interrupt the pain pathway. This treatment provides relief for trigeminal neuralgia, chronic facial nerve pain, and severe headaches that have not responded to medications.
At South Bay TMJ, Sleep, Headache & Orofacial Pain Institute, our specialists use nerve blocks as part of a comprehensive approach to managing nerve-related facial pain.
Pain relief. The block stops the pain signals, giving you a break from chronic pain. That relief lets you take part in other therapies, sleep better, and get back to normal activities.
Diagnostic tools. When a block eliminates your pain, it confirms which nerve is responsible. If blocking a specific nerve stops your headache, your doctor knows that nerve is the source.
The trigeminal nerve has three branches serving different parts of the face. Blocks can target one or more branches depending on where your pain is, used for trigeminal neuralgia, chronic facial pain, and some headaches.
The occipital nerves run from the upper neck to the back and top of the head. Blocking them can relieve headaches that start in the back of the head and travel forward, including certain migraines and tension headaches.
This nerve serves the area around the ear and temple. Blocking it can help with TMJ-related pain, ear pain, and temple headaches.
Depending on your condition, other nerves in the face, jaw, or neck may be targeted. Your doctor decides which nerve or nerves are involved based on your evaluation and testing.
Guided placement. Your doctor uses anatomical landmarks and may use imaging to guide the needle to the correct location.
Numbing first. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area before the block is placed.
Back to your day. You can return to normal activities right after the appointment.
Fast onset. For blocks using an anesthetic, relief may begin within minutes, and you can usually go home shortly after.
How long relief lasts depends on the type of block and the medication used. Some last days, others weeks to months. Your doctor may recommend a series of blocks as part of your overall plan.
Practical answers from our board-certified specialists. These questions come directly from patients we see at the clinic.
Your doctor numbs the area with local anesthetic before placing the nerve block. Most patients feel only brief pressure or mild tingling. The discomfort is generally much less than the chronic pain the block is designed to treat.
The duration depends on the type of medication used and your individual response. Some blocks provide relief for days, while others last weeks to months. Your doctor will explain what to expect based on the specific type of block being performed.
Some patients find lasting relief from a single nerve block. Others benefit from a series of blocks over time, especially for chronic conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. Nerve blocks are often part of a broader treatment plan that may also include medications, Botox, and other therapies.
Nerve blocks provide relief from pain but are typically one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. They are excellent for controlling symptoms while other treatments address the underlying cause of the nerve irritation. For some patients, a series of nerve blocks combined with medication provides long-term control of their condition.
Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist · Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain · Assistant Professor, UCLA
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